Episode35

Simple Solutions
Episode 35

                                                                     Part 1

**
"Good morning, gorgeous." Rachel knew Harvey would just be getting up for work, she called him at the perfect time.

"It's a good morning now." Harvey rolled over to find Doc beside him on the bed, "but shouldn't you be working?" He looked at the clock, it was six-thirty on the dot. He reached to shut off the alarm.

"This is much more important." Rachel laughed, she needed to talk to Harvey to get through her day. "It just isn't the same not seeing you. Calling isn't the same type of distraction."

"I know, my lunch hours will never be the same." Harvey chuckled, loving every minute he got to spend with Rachel --- on the clock or off.

"Are you in the bedroom?" Rachel guessed he was either in the bedroom downstairs or in his Deadroom. He certainly wasn't ready for work yet.

"In your room, upstairs." Harvey preferred to sleep there until she got back, he had his own sentimental reasons. "It's too lonely and big without you."

"I guess we'll have to do something about that when I get home." Rachel laughed, being at home that weekend was the last thing on her mind. Rachel saw the other female inspector walking towards her, she had to get back to work.

"Now you've got my attention." Harvey already counted the days till she'd be back.

"I've got to get back to work. I'll call you tomarrow night." That was all a part of her plan, as long as Antwon agreed to help her out.

"Can't I call you later?" Harvey worried if something was wrong, he had heard from Rachel at least twice each day.

"I'm taking Lili to New York City tonight." Her plans seemed feasible, that way she had time to make the final arrangements.

"I see." Harvey knew how important time with her daughter was for Rachel. He'd get too be with her soon enough. "I guess I'll talk to you then."

Rachel could hear the disappointment in his voice, and wanted to tell him what she had planned. "I love you, Harvey. You know that, right?"

"Yeah." Harvey knew she loved him, but it didn't make the seperation any easier to take.

"Harve?" Rachel knew Harvey would remember, but she couldn't help but bring it up.

"Yes?'' Harvey wondered what else there was to say.

"Don't forget your appointment this morning." Rachel wished she was there to go with him. She worried that there might be something he wasn't telling her. Rachel didn't want to be right.

**
"Louis?" Bill opened the door, surprised to see him there so soon.

"I finished the papers a little early, so I took the first flight this morning." Louis walked in and set his briefcase down, "I know you'll want to go over everything with a fine tooth come."

"No more surprises from Kat?" Bill smiled, he wanted to be sure nothing else had come up for Rachel that might lessen her ability to take Lili.

"No, no late night phonecalls either." Louis didn't mind Kat's calls. He'd often thught of calling her, but he didn't think the interest was mutual.

"Does Rachel need Harvey's signature or consent for any of this?" Bill didn't know if they have to wait for ahrvey to be present in order to sign the final papers. He wanted to get all the legal work done as quickly as possible.

"Legally, no. She is adopting her own child, if we want to get technical." Louis knew he could handle any business with Harvey back in San Francisco, if need be.

"Could he contest it? I mean, if he wanted to?" Harvey seemd nice enough, but Bill knew there were no guarantees as to how he might react with Rachel bringing Lili into the relationship.

"I don't think he would, or that Rachel would let him." Louis checked briefly into Harvey's past, with a son of his own he couldn't contest children. By Rachel deciding to come to Boston, Louis knew she wouldn't easily give her child up.

**
Dr. Bradley smiled warmly at Harvey, "I see Mrs. Leek made you come in." The appointment was optional, if Harvey felt he needed to be seen. "I'm glad you did."

"She called to remind me." Harvey knew Rachel was concerned for his health, he had every reason to keep on living. "She would've brought me herself if she wasn't in Boston."

"You should be happy she cares, some wives don't." Dr. Bradley knew that some of his patients' spouses weren't nearly as concerned as Rachel was about Harvey. "What about the ice cream?"

Harvey laughed, "she left some fruit sorbet and a vegetarian cusine." Harvey knew he wouldn't get far raiding Rachel's fridge, she wanted to be sure he started his diet while she was gone.

"She's taken this matter quite seriously, she might be good for you, Harvey." Dr. Bradley knew Harvey would've taken the iniative sooner or later, Rachel just happened to beat him to it. Harvey smiled, Dr. Bradley was right. "Let's get down to business."

"I knew that was coming." Harvey didn't like keeping Rachel in the dark, but he didn't want her to worry either.

"I looked at the x-rays again after you left, there wasn't much change. But, the damage from the tumble compounded by the exisiting injury won't do you much good." Dr. Bradley was now seeing surgery as inevitable. "We're worried about the postioning."

"It could get worse?" Harvey knew from the day he was shot there would be problems.

"I don't think it's going to get any better." Dr. Bradley shrugged his shoulders, he hated to give such a grim prognosis.

**
"Antwon?" Rachel waited a moment, and hoped Harvey wasn't standing close-by. She wanted to surprise him with a weekend in Carmel

"Babcock speaking," Antwon hoped it wasn't the girl from the bar calling him back again. He thought about it, she had his home phone number, not the SIU's. "Rachel?" Well, if it wasn't the infamous Mrs. Leek.

"I need a favor." Rachel didn't know who else she could ask, someone had to get Harvey to Carmel for the weekend.

"Oh no... there's no way I'm playing messenger to the fated lovers again." Antwon chuckled, he really did enjoy playing a role in their romance. The situation always kept him entertained, especially now that they were married. "What do you need?"

"I need you to get Harvey to Carmel tomarrow afternoon." Rachel had to see him, the past week had been miserable.

"Why would I want to help you with a secret rendezvous?" Antwon grinned, he knew how important this would be for Harvey. If anything, a little time with Rachel might greatly improve his mood. "You're not supposed to be coming home for another two weeks."

"My plans changed. Tell him to meet you by the pier at 5:30." Rachel had everything perfectly planned, all he had to do was show up.

"Say what?" Antwon didn't recall agreeing with her. "What's in this for me?"

"I'm sure I'll think of something." Rachel knew she and Harvey both owed Antwon, big time. "Thank you."

After he hung up the phone, Antwon considered his mission. At least he'd have a truthful excuse for not going out with the girl from the bar, "thank you very much, Ms. April."

**
"You've got some nerve, Harvey Leek." Anna was furious, Jerry hadn't stopped talking about his visit with Harvey and Rachel all week. She didn't appreciate him trying to take their son away from her. Bewteen his appointment and the mounds of paperwork he had to catch up on, Harvey's day wasn't getting any better.

"Anna, a pleasure to hear from you as always." Harvey knew this call would come, but it was better that he handled it instead of Rachel. He didn't want to bring her into this mess any more than necessary.

"So, you and that tramp planning to take him away from me or what?" There was no way Anna would settle for Rachel being a major part of Jerry's life. She gave her kid up, she didn't deserve a second chance with somebody else's child.

"Alll I said was that Rachel and I would like to see him a little more often." Harvey hand't made any promises he couldn't keep. He knew he couldn't rely on Anna's kindness.

"So know she's part of the deal all the time?" Anna didn't like Rachel's significance in Harvey's life. Six months before, she was nothing more than a co-worker he had the hots for.

"Rachel is a very important person to me, and Jerry means a lot to her." Harvey didn't know how to explain it, and he certainly didn't want to tell Anna that he and Rachel were married.

"She's just trying to replace the kid she gave up, Harve, watch her..." Anna could see right through Rachel, she knew Rachel was just using Jerry to get to Harvey.

"She's not like that, Anna." In his mind, he wanted to say she's not like you. "She wouldn't use my child as a bargaining chip."

"Sure. And you'll come crying back to me when she hurts you and our son... but I'm not going to let that happen." Anna refused to even consider giving Harvey any more time with Jerry as long as Rachel was around. There was just something about her she didn't like.

**
"McCabe, is the rumour true?" Deputy Chief Martin laughed softly, he breathed a sigh of relief when Nash told him Rachel was coming back.

"Which one, I hear I'm the topic of several?" Rachel knew Martin would be glad to have her back, he's talked her out of several transfers over the years.

"That you're returning from Boston." Martin really didn't want her to go, but it was her decision. He knew it was only a matter of time before she returned.

"I am, I'll be home early tomarrow morning." Rachel wanted to spend time with Harvey, but she also wanted to get back to work soon as well.

"Can you stop in sometime soon, Tuesday afternoon?" Martin wanted to talk to her about Cassidy, see what her opinion was. Maybe she could help.

"I'll do my best." Rachel knew she'd have tons of work to make up at the SIU, hopefully Cassidy had taken her share.

"Have you spoken with Nash, I mean, other than about coming back?" Martin wanted to know if Nash had told her about Cassidy and Paul Armstrong.

"No, what happened?" Rachel suspected soemthing had happened with Cassidy.

"Cassidy thought she saw Evan and Peter Armstrong got away, we think he's responsible for the convenient store murders." Martin hoped Rachel would be willing to talk with Cassidy, knowing she had been through something similar herself.

"Okay. I'll talk to you when I get back." Rachel hung up the phone, wishing there was some way she could get through to Cassidy. Her problem was Cassidy didn't want to listen.

**
"Harvey, what are you doing tomarrow?" Antwon hoped Harvey hadn't already made other plans for the weekend.

"Who wants to know?" Harvey really wasn't in the mood to do much of anything since Rachel left.

"Interested in a pilgrimage up to Carmel?" Antwon knew Harvey would be surprised by his offer. Carmel wasn't exactly Antwon's type of getaway.

"With you?" Harvey wondered what had gotten into Antwon, there had to be some story behind his offer. harvey guessed Antwon wanted to impress a girl. "What's her name?"

"Whose name?" Antwon had no idea to whom Harvey was referring to.

"The girl you want to meet in Carmel?" Harvey was sure there was a woman behind this. Antwon wasn't the type to go Carmel for weekend retreats, it wasn't his speed.

"That's cold, brother, I was talking about us going up for some off the clock bonding." Antwon knew the offer would sound suspicious coming from him, and wondered why Rachel hadn't chosen someone else.

"The girls up there aren't your type, too calm and peaceful for you." Harvey was inquisitive about Antwon's sudden interest in his favorite hideaway.

"Since you aren't looking, maybe I'll find someone." Antwon grinned, knowing Harvey would be pleased with his surprise. Antwon knew Harvey would be on perfect behavior, he was married to McCabe.

"I'll think about it." Harvey didn't want to leave and miss a call from Rachel. He was tempted to fly out to Boston and see her. Harvey got up from his desk and headed towards the door, wondering what Rachel was doing.

**
"When can I come to see you, Mom?" Lili wasn't overly upset about Rachel returning to San Fransisco, she knew it wouldn't be long before she'd see her again. Lili sat on top of Rachel's bed as she finished packing her things.

"I can work something out with your Dad, that way you can come and see your friends from school." Rachel knew Lili missed her friends from San Francisco. Bill regretted having to uproot her only to be sending her back.

"What about Harvey?" Lili wanted to know if Harvey would still be around when she went to visit Rachel. Maybe her mom would take her advice. "Will he be at your house?"

"Maybe." Rachel smiled, despite being married, neither one of them made any effort to establish a more permanent living arrangement. She'd have to bring that subject up.

"Jerry too?" Lili didn't mind having Jerry around, it was nice to be in a house with another child for a change.

"We'll see." Rachel knew Harvey was planning to talk to Anna about the custody arrangement, but she didn't want to make any promises.

"Are you going to marry Harvey?" Lili wanted her questions answered before Rachel left, feeling too uncomfortable to ask in front of Harvey or Bill.

"I already did." Rachel grinned, her daughter was the first person she had come out and told. Lili's eyes grew wide with interest.

"Really?" Lili might have a family again after all. She was afraid of how it would be without Bill in her life, but now the outlook wasn't so bad.

**
"Harvey, wait..." Cassidy had been meaning to talk with him, she had completely been in the wrong. She had driven to Rachel's house in hopes of finding him.

"Listen, Cassidy, if this is about the other night --- it's been forgotten." He tried to put the brief kiss out of his mind. If not for Evan's memory, but for the sake of his marriage. Harvey knew what happened and that she had too much to drink. That was enough.

"I just wanted to apologize again." Cassidy still felt guilty, this was her partner's boyfriend and Evan's best friend. "What about Rachel?"

"I'll talk to her, I can't not tell her." Harvey couldn't keep this from Rachel, she had been completely honest about what went on with her and Bill.

"Maybe I should say something instead." The last thing she wanted was for Harvey to have to suffer as a result of her actions.

"I don't think that would be such a good idea." Harvey smiled, knowing what Rachel thought of Cassidy. As a person, she wasn't so bad, but as a partner --- there was room for improvement. If Cassidy brought it up, all hell was liable tp break lose when Rachel got back.

**
Harvey walked into the bedroom later that evening, throwing his jacket onto the bed and setting his glass of wine onto the nightstand. The envelope, cleverly hidden amongst the pillows, caught his eye. He laid down upon the bed and reached for the envelope, it was definitely from Rachel. He could smell her distinct perfume and the writing was a dead giveaway.

Harvey took a sip of his wine and returned it to the nightstand, anxious to read her letter. "I wonder what Rachel has to say..."

Harvey,
    By now, I hope you've become accquainted with your new surroundings. You suggested a bedroom downstairs might be more convenient, I couldn't help but agree. As long as the doors lock, we might keep a small shred of privacy, no matter how many kids. We wouldn't want to be caught, yet again.
    The Deadroom requires no explanation, other than the date most of the memorobilia came from. Coincidentally, we happened to be at the same show in San Diego, the summer of 1992. I can only imagine what would've happened had we met nine years ago instead of one. A chance meeting might have saved us both some heartache, but, then again... things might not be like they are now.
     I know you've probably reviewed your decision to let me go over a million times. Rest assured, my feelings for you aren't going to change. It wasn't easy for me to leave, not after everything I've been through and the wrong choices I've made. It's been worth it, for no other reason but getting me to you.
    If I hadn't gone, I'd have ripped this letter to shreds and told you everything myself instead of trying to summarize it in words...sometimes the right word just doesn't exist and some feelings are better expressed physically than verbally. I guess we'll have to see.
    Please know that I love you, and that I'll be back as soon as possible.

                                                                                 Rache

Harvey folded the letter and returned it to it's envelope, hoping Rachel had found the letter he left in her bag. She knew just when to say the right things, and how to assure him of what she felt. Love was different this time around.

**
"I told you we were leaving early." Antwon wasn't surprised that Harvey was still in his pyjamas when he came to the door early the next morning. "Let's move it."

"I don't know, maybe I should catch up at work and stay home. Rachel might call." Harvey wouldn't want to miss a chance to speak with her just because he was out with Antwon. He certainly had enough work to keep him busy.

"Harvey, she's your wife, she'll call again." Antwon tried not to smile, knowing what was instore for Harvey. He wasn't going to let Harvey's stubborn nature ruin his surprise.

"I know, but I've got so much to do and..." He was quickly running out of excuses, Harvey could really use the time away.

"And, you've got five minutes to get yourself dressed and ready." Antwon wasn't going to take no for an answer. he'd do whatever it took to get Harvey to Carmel.

**
Rachel looked around the house, it was the first time she had been in there since the summer before Ryan died. Everything was still the same.

She walked into the kitchen, the cabinets were adequetely filled and it was in order.

Rachel walked upstairs to the bedroom, it would be her first time there without Ben. It was so odd being back there alone, she didn't know if she was ready. She opened the drawer and pulled out a picture, she was standing on the beach with a thin man with dark curly hair and rich dark eyes. "I hope you don't mind." Rachel returned the picture to the drawer and went back downstairs.

**
"I think I'm going to walk for awhile on the beach, clear my head." Harvey intended to pick up the rings that afternoon, but the shop was already closed by the time he got there. He needed some time to himself, to think and reflect.

"Okay, let's meet for dinner then --- at the pier around 5:30?" Antwon wanted to give Harvey his space, but he also wanted to make sure he was ontime for meeting Rachel.

"That's fine. Any place in particular?" Harvey knew Antwon was unfamilar with the area, but maybe he had seen a tourist guide to get an idea.

"Where are the best looking girls?" Antwon laughed, he knew he hadn't come to find a girl. Besides, he had already seen one prospect in town earlier.

Harvey chuckled. "in Boston." He wondered how Rachel's day in the city was, he'd have to ask her later that evening when he called. Harvey knew that's where Rachel grew up and didn't know if they had gone to see her mother.

"You're biased." Antwon had to agree, he would be too if he was married to a girl like Rachel.

**
"Deputy Chief Martin, to what do I owe this honor?" Nash smiled, he knew it wasn't often that the Deputy Chief worked on the weekends.

"Just came to chat." He had come to discuss the situation with Cassidy, and Rachel as well.

"I've already spoken with Cassidy, if that's what you're getting at." Nash knew that would be on Martin's mind.

"As have I. I told her that I'm willing to be flexible with her needs." Martin didn't want to fire her, but he didn't want her endangering the lives of his officers either.

"So now what?" Nash didn't know what Martin wanted to do next.

"We'll see how it goes with McCabe. If things don't work out, we can look for a new partner for Rachel and put Cassidy back at Bayside. Is that alright with you?" Martin knew that he had the final say, but he wanted Nash's approval.

"I guess it has to be." Nash wasn't anxious to start looking for someone knew and he hoped he wouldn't have to.

**
"Where is he?" Rachel was worried Harvey wouldn't show. He was already twenty minutes late.

"I told him when and where we'd meet up." Antwon had done his part, now it was time for Harvey to do his.

"He wasn't mad at me was he?" Rachel considered perhaps Harvey was onto her and that's why he decided not to show.

"That's not how I'd describe his feelings about you." Antwon chuckled, Harvey would be anything but mad when he saw her. "I'll call him on his cell."

"Thank you, for everything." Rachel scanned the parking lot in search of Harvey, he was no where to be found.

"Harvey Leek," Harvey guessed it was Antwon calling him. He had completely lost track of time.

"You are where?" Antwon knew Rachel had gone through a lot of trouble to do this for Harvey, he deserved something good for a change.

"Give me about twenty minutes to finish my dream, I crashed on the beach not too far from the pier." Harvey had gotten caught up in his thoughts and woke up several hours later in the same sandy spot.

"Good, I'm hungry." Antwon hung up, at least Harvey would show. He quickly dialed Rache's number. "Rache, it's me...he's down on the beach by the pier."

"Thanks, I'll take it from here." Rachel knew they could get to the house from the beach, but she didn't want to leave her car overnight. She'd meet him and then they could drive down.

**
Harvey rested peacefully on the large woven blanket he had laid across his patch of shore. He silently urged himself to get up, but the words were futile. He knew Antwon was waiting, but he hoped to finish his dream. Harvey considered calling Rachel when he got to a hotel, but he knew she wouldn't be home. He closed his eyes and laid back down...

Harvey walked through the busy streets of Boston, searching for the address Bill had given him. When Rachel wasn't at the hotel, Bill suggested he try at work. He found what he was looking for, the Boston Police Department. He stepped inside, and found a friendly secretary, something the SIU needed to invest in.

"Inspector McCabe?" Harvey wasn't sure if she was going by his name or her own in Boston. If Nash did the paperwork, it was most likely McCabe.

"Her cubicle is upstairs, to the right..." The secretary pointed towards the stairs and nodded.

"Thanks." Harvey made a quick trek up the stairs and found her at the desk, as promised...

She noticed the blanket first, it was the one Harvey kept ready in the car for their spontaneous outings. She saw Harvey, restfully sprawled along the left side with his head propped up on his backpack. She walked up closer, noting Harvey was   sound asleep. She didn't want to wake him, but she didn't want to leave him either. She sat down next to him on the blanket and gently ran her finger along his cheek.

...Harvey's imagination ran wild, the dream seemed so real to him as he felt her fingers sliding through his hair when she came in closer towards him, he could feel her body next to his own.

"Let's get out of here." Rachel led him down the stairs and outside of the building towards a park. Here, they wouldn't have to be discrete with their public displays of affection...

She watched as a smile formed on Harvey's face, and wondered if he was dreaming or knew what was going on. There was only one way to find out. She gently touched his chin and guided his mouth towards her own, slowly working her way down his neck.

..."Are you sure? We're in public." Harvey didn't realize he was speaking outloud as he felt her undoing the buttons of his shirt as they laid together in the grass...

She really didn't care, she turned her head momentarily to check for spectators on the beach, they were alone. Much to her surprise, Harvey pulled away. The bright setting sun woke him from the dream, but the light also prevented him from opening his eyes. He moved his hand, feeling a leg next to his own. Clearly, he had been making out with someone he met on the beach.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be doing this." Harvey moved farther across the blanket, not having the strength to look the woman in the eyes and turn away.

She took his hand into her own and kissed it, flattered by Harvey's sincerity in being faithful. "I don't think your wife would mind."

"You see, she's in Boston and I had a dream about her...that's why I was receptive to your advances... I thought... oh nevermind..." Harvey was ashamed of what had happened, he definitely should've left when Antwon called. "Pathetic, isn't it?"

"Actually, I think it's pretty romantic and that she's very lucky." She moved in closer to him, once again claiming his mouth passionately with her own.

"Why do I get the feeling you know exactly what you're doing?" Harvey smiled, the kiss and the perfume gave her identity away. He didn't have to open his eyes, but smiled instead. "If you're not my wife, I'm a dead man."

**
"So where are you taking me?" Rachel tried to concentrate on the road, but Harvey's hand on her leg was quite the distraction. Their rendezvous on the beach set them back almost an hour, but dinner could wait.

"I'm not going to tell you." Rachel grinned, loving the opportunity to keep Harvey in suspense. She assumed he'd ask why she came back, Rachel planned to tell him eventually.

"Okay, so answer this, what brought you back?" Harvey wondered why she wasn't in Boston. He was happy to see her, but questionned her motive. He didn't recognize the area, but he knew they were just north of Carmel.

"My beachfront seduction wasn't a good enough clue?" Rachel peered at him over her sunglasses, "Inspector, you're slipping?"

"You came all the way here for sex?" Harvey hoped there was more to it than that, his smile hinted at his curiousity.

"That's just a bonus, a very good one, but I came because I missed you." Rachel kissed him when they stopped at the next stoplight.

Harvey watched as they turned into the residential area along the coast, a two-lane street and a cement barricade seperated the lawns from the sand. He remembered the area vaguely, from a few years back. "Did we miss our turn? Hotels are off the other exit from the highway."

"No, not at all." Rachel turned into a driveway on the next block. The house looked vaguely familiar, but he didn't know from where or when.

"What's this?" Harvey wondered why they had stopped at the house. He watched as Rachel got out of he car.

"Home away from home, if you like it. If not, I'll sell." Harvey couldn't believe his ears, she just called this place home. He took a moment to compose himself before getting out of the car.

"Excuse me?" Harvey followed Rachel on the sidewalk up to the porch.

"We'll see what you think." Rachel grinned and waved to the elderly woman gardening next store.

"Hello, Rachel." The woman waved, and went back to tending her roses. She was surprised to see Rachel there again, it had almost been two years.

"She knows you?" Harvey wondered why Rachel was so familiar with the area, and everyone they passed on the way seemed to know her. Harvey walked inside the house with her, wondering what else she could have in store for him.

"Gayle's a good neighbor." Rachel set down her keys and purse before walking into the kitchen to check on dinner. "Do you mind if we eat outside?"

She walked back into the living room to find Harvey gone, she went to check upstairs. Rachel checked the two guest bedrooms before finding him in the master bedroom. "Harve?"

Harvey looked up from the dresser where he was studying an array of pictures, "what?"

"Do you mind if we eat outside?" Rachel had already set the table on the back porch, but figured she should ask.

"That's fine." Harvey was still astounded by the house, wondering why Rachel never mentioned it before. He decided he'd ask over dinner. "What are we eating?"

"Dinner will be ready soon," Rachel kissed him softly on the back of his neck and went back downstairs without answering his question about dinner. She had to consider what she'd say, in regards to the house, Ryan and Ben. Rachel was afraid Harvey might not understand. She knew he would ask.

**
"I just happened to pass you on the street this morning, are you new to the area?" A thin, light skinned African American girl with soft curly hair presented herself before Antwon as he sat at the bar.

"Nah, I'm just in town visiting some friends." Antwon definately saw potential, maybe Harvey was wrong about the women there after all.

"That's what I said a few years ago, I've been coming almost every summer since." She knew he hadn't been there before, she would've noticed him. "My name is Jessica Walker."

"Antwon Babcock." Maybe his evening in the sleepy town wouldn't be so bad after all.

"Care to join me for a drink?" Jessica didn't have any plans for the evening, and he appeared to be alone.

"It would be my pleasure." Antwon pulled out the stool next to him and smiled. Rachel wouldn't have to repay his favor.

**
"Tell me again how you came to accquire this prime piece of real estate?" Harvey loved the house; but didn't think they were capable of managing two homes on their salaries, let alone three. Unless, of course, there was something else Rachel hadn't told him.

Rachel reviewed the mental script before she began, worried how Harvey might react. She planned to tell him everything sooner or later, once their life was more settled. "My fiance Ben and I had bought the house with some friends of ours, actually, my first partner and his wife."

The fact that Rachel was initially partnered with a guy stuck out more to Harvey than her mentioning a fiance. He couldn't imagine Rachel being the one to take orders instead of give them. He grinned, "you were partnered with a guy?"

"Deputy Chief Martin thought it was a great idea. Ryan's main ambition for my first few months was to find me someone, he said it was depressing to have a single partner. Ryan made sure I had at least four dates every week. Ryan's dedication to my cause led to my relationship with Ben." Rachel gave a slight smile, the worst was yet to come. "He was an EMT that Ryan new from the department."

"Your fiance?" Harvey assumed that's who Ben was from Rachel's earlier reference. He wondered why Ben was never brought up before.

"Ben and I were supposed to get married the summer before I was transferred to the SIU, but we never made it that far." As she began to tell Harvey of her fated love, she questionned the decisions she made while Ben was alive. At the time, putting of marriage to advance her career seemed like a good idea.

"You jilted him at the altar?" Harvey never fathomed there'd be any other reason.

"The first time, yes... and we postponed the wedding, but he died in January of 1999." The more Rachel thought about it, the more she despised the path fate had taken. It wasn't fair.

"God, Rache... I'm sorry." Harvey hadn't expected a reply of such depth, he anticipated something more humorous coming from Rachel. He didn't know Ben was dead.

"It wasn't your fault." There was only one person Rachel blamed for Ben's senseless death besides herself, and that was Steve Johnson.

**

                                                                       Part 2

**
"No updates on Pete Armstrong?" Cassidy knew nothing new had come up yet, besides another murder.

"Nothing definite." Nash tried to restrain his anger about what happened, trying to understand what she was going through.

"I'm sorry about that, Daddy, I really am." Cassidy didn't know how to apologize for her actions. There was no plausible explanation. She shouldn't have followed that man. She shouldn't have gone to Harvey with her problems.

"I know you are." Nash set down his glass on the counter, "what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to try things with Rachel again, try to talk to her." Cassidy knew she had to get it out. She couldn't blame life's problems on Rachel.

"That's a good start. She might be able to help, more than you'd think." Nash didn't want to bring up Ben without Rachel's permission. He knew she could relate to Cassidy.

"If not, I might go back to Bayside." Cassidy didn't know if she was ready for the SIU. After what happened with Harvey and how she's treated Rachel, maybe she didn't belong there.

**
"Hey, sexy." Rachel stepped into the bathroom and laughed, Harvey had been in the tub for over an hour. He needed to relax, doctor's orders.

"Don't you knock?" Harvey laughed, he had honestly expected her to come in earlier and join him.

"Nah, we're married." Rachel leaned in to kiss him.

"Rache, there's something I have to tell you..." Havey's guilt had been eating away at him since the minute Rachel appeared before him on the beach. He knew, or at least he thought Rachel wouldn't be angry because of what happened with Bill. "...before things get any further." Harvey sunk further into the tub, she was going to kill him. He just knew it

"You sure know how to kill a mood, don't you?" Rachel grinned mischeviously, lightly tugging at Harvey's curls with her fingers. Rachel sat down on the far edge of the tub, waiting for Harvey's confession.

"Last week, something happened..." Harvey could feel the weight of Rachel's stare upon him, he had to come clean.

"At home? At work? You have to be a little more specific." Rachel already knew about Cassidy and her Evan problem from Deputy Chief Martin. She wondered if anything was connected.

"It was late one night and Cassidy stopped by, after having a talk with Martin about Evan. She had a little too much to drink and she needed to talk." Harvey watched as Rachel's expression changed, "I feel terrible about this...especially after you went to so much trouble for me this weekend..."

"Harvey, I know you well enough to say that you wouldn't be here now if you slept with her." Rachel knew that was true. She was in no position to criticize, not after what happened with Bill.

"I just feel bad, I didn't know what to do when she kissed me... it happened so fast." Harvey hoped she'd understand, "I'm so sorry, Rachel."

"Harvey, it's okay. It's not like you slept with her or that it would ever happen again." She looked at him curiously and smiled, "right?" Harvey remained silent but smiled suspiciously, "Harvey?"

Harvey laughed, "she's not exactly my type. But if you disappear again, there's no telling what I might..."

Rachel, still fully clothed, slipped one leg into the tub and then the other, pulling Harvey in closer to her. Rachel looked at him with her radiant mischevious grin, "I'm just going to have to keep you for myself then, aren't I?"

**

**
"Can I have your keys? I need to run a quick errand." Harvey had just enough time to run into town that morning and pick up the rings before they had to head back to San Francisco. He wanted to give it to her soon; when the moment hit, he wanted to be ready. He wrapped his arms around her, slowly kissing the back of her neck and working his way down.

"Do you want the keys or me?" Rachel grinned, sparking Harvey's interest. He considered his options for a moment. Harvey had to get the rings.

"Keys now, you later." Harvey grabbed her keys off the counter and smiled,"I mean later, at home."

"I could always call Nash, tell him we got stuck in traffic and we won't be in till Tuesday." Rachel smiled mischeviously as she pulled Harvey in for a lengthy liplock.

"Coming from anyone else, that might be believable." Harvey chuckled, if anyone would know her excuses, it would be Nash. He probably instigated a situation or two himself. He kissed her again, "I'll be back soon, maybe we can grab something to eat in town before we leave."

"Or we can skip the food and explore other possibilities..." Rachel positioned her body suggestively against his. They had time, and nowhere they had to be until tomarrow, "we could go back to the beach and..."

"Hold that thought, I've got to get to town." He kissed her again, wishing he had time to take advantage of her offer. He knew the shops kept weird hours on the weekends, and he wanted to get there before closing. Even if they didn't make it to work the next day, he had to get the rings.

**
"Nash, where's Rachel been lately?" Nick didn't recall seeing her around the house to often. He sat, looking as Nash poured his coffee at the counter.

"Rachel and I haven't been seeing eachother for a while now, Nick." Nash smiled and gave a small sigh of relief, at least Nick had gotten off the subject of Kat Bauer.

"Oh, that's a shame son. I really liked her." Nick had grown quite fond of Rachel in the brief time she was with his son. She hadn't been like the other women Nash brought home.

"So did I, but you know --- she's with Harvey now." Nash was happy they had both found someone, even if it meant he was still on his own.

"You don't say?" Nick laughed, "who would've thought Harvey Leek would be with one of my son's girls?"

"You're a funny guy, Nick." Moments like these convinced Nash that Nick could be okay. It was other times that left him wondering what he should do next.

**
Rachel heard a light knocking on the door, she didn't think Harvey would be back this early. She got up to answer, surprised by who was on the other side. "Connie?"

"I figured you might be here, is this a bad time?" Connie didn't want to intrude or interrupt, the house was no longer her's. Maybe someone else was there with Rachel.

"No, no... of course not, come on in.'' Rachel hadn't anticipated Connie stopping by, or even seeing her again unless she had to. After the baby, things just weren't the same between them.

"I'll be right back.'' Connie went to the car as Rachel retreated back inside the house. A few moments later, Connie once again appeared at the front door, this time with RJ in tow. "I thought you might like to see him before we left."

Connie set the little boy down onto the floor, allowing Rachel a better view. She hadn't seen him since he was a little more than a month old. He had changed so much. "He's so big."

"I know, it's been awhile since you've seen him. Almost a year and a half?" Connie tried to keep Rachel up to date, but still felt she was losing out. Connie owed Rachel this visit.

"Something like that." Rachel noted the dark hair and eyes, with his faint olive complexion, "he looks a lot like his dad."

"Acts a lot like him too." Connie smiled, RJ was every bit his father's son. Ryan would've been happy to see him doing so well.

"He got lucky as far as the gene pool is concerned." Rachel laughed at her comment, she was insulting herself. She and Connie were never really good with small talk. "So when do you leave?"

"Tomarrow morning." Connie was eager to get back to Missouri with her family, and the new man she was seeing. She wasn't trying to keep RJ away, but due to the circumstances, she felt this was best. "How's your daughter?"

"Lili's fine, she starts kindergarten in a few weeks." Rachel didn't think Connie would remember much about Lili, she had her own problems at the time. Connie knew their conversation was stilted and the tension was mounting.

"Did you want to hold him?" Connie watched her son eyeing Rachel across the room, he knew there was something familiar about her. He recognized her, he had to.

"I guess I could." Rachel wanted to pick him up the moment she laid eyes on him but was afraid to ask. She didn't know her limits.

**
"I thought you might be in sooner." The jeweler smiled, recognizing Harvey immediately. "

"Believe me, I've tried." Harvey laughed, they'd nearly been married two months and he still didn't have the rings. He was a little behind. "Do you have them ready?"

"I'll be right back, Harvey." The jeweler went into the office area of the store and returned carrying two small velvet ring boxes. "I put the engagement ring in a seperate box, even though you two jumped the gun."

"You're telling me." The jeweler set the boxes before Harvey, he smiled as the boxes were opened. "I hope she'll like it."

Harvey took the ring out of the box for closer inspection, he had specifically chosen the emerald-cut diamond on the silver band. Very simplistic and elegant.

"Did you want the wedding bands engraved?" He had a little while before closing, he wouldn't mind doing the work.

Harvey hadn't thought about it, but decided against it. "I'll let her decide." He looked at the two rings carefully and shut the lid. "I think that will do it."

**
"Who's this little guy?" Harvey knew someone was over from the strange car in the driveway. He assumed this was an old friend of Rachel's. Ryan looked up at him and grinned, clinging to the coffee table.

"This is RJ." Harvey set down his bag from town and walked into the living room, "Harvey, this is Connie Mazza, Ryan's wife." Harvey smiled and waived dutifully from where he stood, not quite sure how to react. "Connie, this is my husband Harvey Leek."

"Nice to meet you. I just wanted to stop by with RJ before we left." Connie assumed Rachel had told Harvey everything about Ryan and what happened.

"Left?" Harvey didn't know what she was referring to.

"RJ and I are moving back to Missouri." Obviously, Rachel hadn't given him an update on RJ's living situation.

"Oh." Harvey smiled and walked over towards RJ, trying to see what he was up to.

"You didn't tell him?" Connie looked at Rachel, astounded she would keep something like this from her husband.

Harvey turned around, sensing he had missed something. "Tell me what?"

"Nothing." Rachel shot Connie a look, "she meant about the house."

"The house was quite a surprise." Harvey was happy about the house, it would be the ideal hideaway for them.

"We should probably get going." Connie got up and began to pick up the toys Ryan had thrown across the floor. Rachel got up off the couch as well.

"Don't leave on my account." Harvey wasn't sure if he had said or done something to cut Connie's visit short.

"We've got to get back to the city." Connie watched as RJ went to hug Rachel, and waited a moment before reclaiming him. "Harvey, it was nice to meet you. Rache, I'll be in touch." Rachel shut the door behind them after they walked out.

"You introduced me as your husband. I liked the sound of that, Mrs. Leek." Harvey returned his arms to where they were positioned around her waist earlier, before he left and found her lips with his own. A thought crossed his mind. "So what didn't you tell me?"

Rachel sighed and pulled away, completely unprepared to give the explanation he deserved. "Harve, it doesn't matter. They're gone and we should probably get ready to go back ourselves."

Something had definitely happened between the time he left and when he got back. Rachel wasn't like this earlier. "Why do I get the feeling that there's more to this?"

"Don't worry about it, okay?" Rachel quickly went up the stairs towards the bedroom, with Harvey close behind.

"No, it's not okay and I'd appreciate you telling me what's going on." Harvey didn't understand what was so wrong or what could've happened while he was gone.

"Can't you ever drop a subject?" Rachel wasn't ready for this, she had just gotten used to having Lili around. This was too much.

Harvey looked at her, hurt and frustrated, "you've got about a minute to start explaining before I go out there and ask Connie."

"Fair enough." She just had to think of what she would say, how she'd explain.

"If you won't tell me what's wrong, answer this --- what was she doing here with RJ?" Harvey was trying to put the pieces otgether, but nothing made sense. He didn't see any connection between the two.

"RJ is my son." Rachel felt a tremendous weight lifted off her shoulders as she told him, her main concern was his reaction.

"Excuse me?" Harvey didn't think he heard her right, Connie's visist was even more confusing.

"He's my son, that's why she brought him here." Rachel could tell Harvey was completely baffled, as would be expected.

Harvey removed his beret and rubbed his head, "maybe I missed something here, but am I to understand you had a child with your married partner?" He sat down on the bed, not sure of how much more he could take.

"It's not what you think." Rachel didn't want him to think the obvious, she hadn't slept with Ryan.

"Enlighten me." Harvey wanted some answers and quick. He didn't know what to expect with Rachel anymore.

Rachel sat down next to him on the end of the bed, "where should I start?"

"Try the beginning." Harvey had to know the whole story, whether he'd like it or not. He couldn't get oast the idea of Rachel having a child he didn't know about.

"It was about four months after Ben died and I was still completely traumatized. Ryan and Connie were dealing with his death and about a million other problems. They had been trying to have a baby since before I came onto the force, they tried everything. Doctors, specialists, therapists, drugs... but no luck. They had been married for about three years by the time I got to Bayside, so they were pretty eager. I gave them every doctor's number I had. By the time Ben died, nothing changed."

Harvey shook his head, already anticpating the direction her story would take. That certainly would explain the distance between her and Connie. "Ryan and I went out one night to exchange sob stories.We both had a little too much to drink that evening and we both completely bared our souls. He told me that Connie couldn't have kids at all and that they had been looking for an egg donor for the past two years, and he couldn't stand another rejection. I divulged how lonely I was without Ben and he told me how miserable his marriage to Connie had become. He kissed me and I kissed him back."

Harvey already had come to his own conclusions, she had an affair with her married partner and had a nearly two-year old son to show for it. Maybe Anna had a point after all. "And you slept with him?"

Rachel shook her head, "before either one of us could realize what was going on, our clothes were scattered around and we were making out on the floor. Luckily, the phone rang and due to our profession, I couldn't ignore the call. While I was gone, reality set in and when I got back, he began to apologize. He broke down and that's when I made up my mind. I told Ryan I'd give he and Connie the child they wanted."

"That's certainly one way to do it." Harvey still didn't see the direction her story was taking.

Rachel knew what Harvey was thinking, that she took advantage of Ryan's situation with Connie. That wasn't the case at all. "The next day, Ryan was quiet and I brought it up. He thought I had too much to drink and couldn't possibly be serious. We tried a procedure that month, but it didn't take. By the end of the following month, Connie was pregnant and things between her and Ryan couldn't have been better."

"So you didn't? You never?" Harvey was in complete awe.

"As fate would have it, Ryan died three days after the Bayside Christmas party when someone from another department screwed him with the call. My biggest fear was that Connie wouldn't want the baby with him gone. But, she did..."

**

Sarah